PM plan supports climate change accord

News Article - 08 January 2010
Category: Business

Gordon Brown hopes to bolster the chance of a global climate change deal over the next few months, following what was seen as a disappointing conclusion to the Copenhagen Summit. Speaking to the BBC recently, the Prime Minister said he had developed a plan that should ensure progress is made well before the UN climate change summit in Mexico in December. Many see the summit as the last chance to agree a binding climate change accord before the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.

Mr Brown echoed comments that the progress reached at the Copenhagen Summit, while falling short of most expectations, has laid the groundwork for more successful negotiations. He did not provide details of his plan, but argued the hurdles experienced in Copenhagen - based on fear, suspicion and protectionism - could be gradually overcome.

The next few months are seen as crucial to the climate change agenda, and much work is yet to be done to limit the fallout and disappointment that the Copenhagen Summit caused. Relations between developing and developed countries remain strained, and many of the World's poorer nations continue to criticise the US-led accord agreed at the Summit because of its lack of concrete carbon reduction targets.

Several smaller-scale meeting are scheduled before the UN event in Mexico in an attempt to realign the global climate change agenda and increase the chance of negotiations in Mexico succeeding. Progress is expected in the Spring at a major event scheduled in Bonn, Germany, where many of the issues raised at Copenhagen will be discussed, including climate funding for developing countries and proposals to protect tropical areas.

As negotiations continue to resolve ill feeling from the Copenhagen Summit, the climate change agenda is gaining greater momentum as developed countries create plans to strengthen the possibility of a binding global agreement. Gordon Brown's efforts have been echoed by David Milliband, who will press EU members to raise carbon reduction targets. Industry experts claim more aggressive targets are the only way to achieve the two degree temperature drop that is considered necessary to prevent further irreversible climate change.

The emphasis on climate change policy by Gordon Brown and David Milliband should have UK organisations watching developments closely. As the UK's position on a binding climate change accord becomes clear, businesses should remain up-to-date to ensure they are aware of any impending legislation. Access can provide advice on how a robust software solution can track carbon output, giving businesses full control over their carbon footprint . For more information, please call 0845 345 3300.

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